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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.